Jetpack company gets clearance for manned flights

Christchurch-based Martin Aircraft Company has revealed details of its latest jetpack prototype, which it says has taken a "quantum leap" in performance over the previous model.

The company had made huge progress in recent months in increasing flight time of the aircraft, and had full Civil Aviation Authority certification for a manned flight, company chief executive Peter Coker said.

"Changing the position of the jetpack's ducts has resulted in a quantum leap in performance over the previous prototype, especially in terms of the aircraft's maneuverability," Mr Coker said.

The company's focus was now on further improving the jetpack's performance through engine refinements in order to ready it for commercial sale.